U.S. Drought Monitor Update for September 3, 2013

According to the September 3, 2013 U.S. Drought Monitor, moderate to exceptional drought covers 50.1% of the contiguous United States, a slight increase from last week’s 50.0%. Conversely, the worst drought categories (extreme to exceptional drought) decreased from 10.5% last week to 9.9%. Continued beneficial rainfall reduced the intensity of drought in most areas and contracted the drought area in the West and in Alaska. But hot and prolonged dry weather expanded drought in the Midwest and South.